The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Piskor Hall

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Piskor Hall (three-quarter view), St. Lawrence University

Institution Name: St. Lawrence University
Original/Historic Place Name: Cook Hall
Location on Campus: Park St.
Date(s) of Construction:

1907-1909

original construction New York State Architect's Office

Designer: New York State Architect's Office
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Beaux-Arts classicism (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, education, religion
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: Potsdam sandstone

Walls: brick

Roof: metal

Function:

ca. 1909	academic department building (first building of State School of Agriculture, St. Lawrence University)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	faculty offices
ca. 2004-present (2006)	classrooms
ca. 2004-present (2006)	academic department building (history, philosophy, sociology and anthropology)

Narrative:
Designed by the first New York state architect, Cook Hall was originally the first building of the State School of Agriculture, St. Lawrence University. It is a red brick and Potsdam sandstone rectangular structure trimmed with concrete and topped with a hipped roof surmounted by a hexagonal cupola. The facades are symmetrical with rows of paired windows. Dormers and four chimneys relieve the expanse of the roof - especially at each end. The main entrance is located in a central bay set out from the remainder of the facade. The building has continuously housed classrooms, faculty offices, and laboratories in a typical early 20th century interior, which is currently being remodeled. The facade will remain unchanged.

References:

Baule, John A. St. Lawrence University--Old Campus Historic District. National Register of Historic Places designation report. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the Interior/National Park Service, 1974.